To make Aunt Agatha continue to believe, he had asked his staff to forge a letter stating Jemima had left so quickly so she could be next to Norfolk as he was healing. Sophia had informed Aunt Agatha of the accident, and his letter confirmed it.
Sophia had been a generous friend, opting to stay with Aunt Agatha as he recovered from his injuries. He was quite surprised she had made the trip to Hambleton Hall after his accident, even though he had told her they could no longer continue their friendship as his heart belonged to Jemima. She had been happy for him.
No matter that he looked like a love-struck fool when Jemima left without a second glance. He had been grieving ever since and had come to Rye when it became too much, to get away from the city. And there she was, Jemima, in front of him. Fate was cruel, he had to watch the reason his heart hurt, as he tried to repair it.
Norfolk wanted an explanation though. The Jemima he had gotten to know was not one to run. He would meet her in the evening, draw her away towards the garden and talk. He would offer her the money that remained with him from their deal, and that would be the end of it. In the morning, he would excuse himself and return to London.
***
Norfolk waited for the girls to return from their lessons, signaling him to leave. They returned after two hours, as the sun was about to set, accompanied by their governess. Time had only made her beauty grow, Norfolk thought, as she came in. Jemima left when the girls settled down, giving a brief report to their parents.
Norfolk waited a minute and then took his leave. He walked out slowly, with his cane as a support and looked around for Jemima. He saw her heading towards the garden.
Perfect, Norfolk thought.
***
Jemima was baffled. She had not expected the Duke of Norfolk to be the long-awaited guest. It had left her heart weeping to see him again, all the resolve she had built had broken down with one look at him. Mrs. King had told her that the guest had been in an accident recently, and now Jemima felt scared. Had Norfolk been hurt? Been in grave peril? She wanted nothing more than to run to him and kiss him and thank God for saving his life.
It had been hard to focus on the lesson as all she wanted was to confront the Duke for why he would use her like this. She thought better of it, knowing she was not in a place to do so. He was a Duke and it would be uncivil for her to confront him.
Hence, she was walking out towards the garden to prevent herself from going to him. She walked without looking back and soon she found herself far away from the estate. She looked behind her and saw the estate far behind. A figure was approaching her, rather slowly. It took for them to take a few more steps before Jemima realized it was the Duke. He walked with a cane, his leg injured. She turned around, ignoring the pang in her heart, and continued walking. She was not interested in talking to him.
Chapter 11
Forgiveness
N orfolk tried to walk faster as Jemima started walking away from him. Did she really not care for him at all? He felt hurt that she could be so crass. He called after her,
“Miss Devine!”
Jemima halted, her manners winning. She felt annoyance at the Duke and turned around.
“Oh, Sir. Sorry, I didn’t see you.” She said, smiling.
Norfolk rolled his eyes at this and walked up to her.
“I’m sure.” He said, giving her the benefit of the doubt. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“Of course, you wouldn’t expect a woman like me to make an honest living right, Sir?” She said, her voice dripping with scorn.
Norfolk took a step back at her tone.
“No, I expect everything wonderful from a woman of your talent and strength.” He said honestly.
Jemima wasn’t fooled, knowing how he truly felt. She turned around and continued walking.
“Miss Devine!” Norfolk said, hurt that she had become so cold towards him. “I want to talk to you.”
“No, Sir. I do not wish to speak to you. We had a brief interference in each other’s life for convenience but that has long passed, and I wish for it to stay in the past. Where it belongs.” She said, anger apparent. “I make an honest living for myself, and I will not allow you to jeopardize it.”
“I sincerely don’t want to. I only wish to pay you the remainder of your money.”
“Ha! That’s all that matters to you, isn’t it?” Jemima said, forgetting all manners. She did not care that the Duke stood in front of her. She only saw the culprit that crushed her heart. “I do not want anything to do with your money, Norfolk.”
Norfolk felt angry too. How could she be upset with him? She was the one who decided to leave. She had been the one to abandon him.
“You have quite the gall to accuse me of caring for money only. I could accuse you of having no regard for people’s feelings. You left without a notice.”
“Oh, why does it matter? Hadn’t you sent your bride there to inform me about your wedding? What use was it for me to stay after that?”
“Pardon me? My bride?”
“Yes, isn’t that why you left? To go and finalize your marriage to Lady Brereton? Please, let it be. I have no part in this.”
Saying this, Jemima turned back towards the estate. Norfolk grabbed onto her arm and pulled her back towards him.
“Norfolk!” Jemima said, trying to free herself. She felt angry but couldn’t help blushing being this close to him.
“You foolish girl! The letter I had received stated that Lord Brereton was expecting us to finalize our deal within the week, and then to announce my marriage to his daughter. I did not wish to marry her, and that is why I made the trip to London. To inform him. My heart belongs to someone else. You. However, on the way, I got into an accident. They took me to London, and that is where I told Sophia the truth. She offered to visit you and Aunt Agatha to inform about my health. And all I heard back from her was that you had fled when you learned about my accident, wanting no part in this.”
Saying this, he let go of her and walked back to the estate. Jemima stood dumbstruck as she saw his figure retreating. She had been a fool to believe Sophia and not wait to hear from Norfolk himself. It had been a mistake to flee. He believed she didn’t care for him.
He loved her. He had said his heart belonged to her. And what had she done? Accused him of caring for money. Abandoned him while he suffered through his injuries. How could she fix this? Shaking off the guilt, Jemima ran after the Duke. She would not lose him again. He had to know her side of the story.
“Norfolk!” She screamed, not caring how inappropriate it was.
Norfolk turned around just as Jemima threw her arms around his neck.
“Miss Devine!” Norfolk stuttered, feeling shy at her audacious embrace.
“Jemima. It’s Jemima, and I love you.”
Norfolk threw his cane and wrapped his arms around her, spinning her around. He lost balance, and they fell on the grass, laughing like children.
“Why did you leave then?” He asked, sobering up.
“Sophia told me you were to be married, and that I had no business being there. I had no idea she would fabricate the truth. I had no idea that you had been in an accident.”
“I assure you, I never intended to marry her. It was you who captured my heart.” He told her earnestly, “I should’ve sent a letter and not Sophia. I apologize.”
“Poor Aunt Agatha. Oh she must detest me!” Jemima said, as she helped Norfolk up on his feet.
“No need to worry, Sophia told her the truth about my accident and had the decency to not reveal your identity. She informed her you left in a hurry to reach me. When I was told you had left, I sent a letter to confirm the false story to Aunt Agatha.”
“So she doesn’t know we lied? Or I ran?”
“Not a hint.”
“Your Grace! I am sorry for leaving, I was hurt. It broke my heart to hear the story from her.”
“Norfolk.”
“What?”
“Call me Norfolk.”
“Norfolk.” Jemima said while blushing and hid her face in his chest.
Hearing his name from her mouth made his heart feel warm. They stood like this for a long time, in each other’s embrace. Jemima couldn’t believe it. He loved her. Norfolk couldn’t believe she reciprocated.
“Come back with me, my love.” Norfolk said, “I want to marry you. Will you marry me, Jemima Devine?”
Jemima could only mutter one word through the tears,
“Yes.”
As the sun set, they made their way back to the manor to prepare for departure. Jemima looked forward to telling the girls that she had found love after all.
Chapter 12
New beginnings
T he Smiths were very happy for the new couple. They were sad to see Jemima leaving, but wished her all the best in life. Eleanor and Eliza were ecstatic to see their dear governess find her happily ever after. Upon Jemima’s request, the girls would be bride’s maids in her wedding ceremony.
The ceremony was approaching in two weeks, and Jemima and Norfolk were making a trip to Hambleton Hall before that. They knew it would be better to reveal the truth to Aunt Agatha. They knew she would be hurt at first but once she knew they had truly fallen in love, she would forgive them. They would bring her along to London to attend the ceremony.
Jemima was nervous to meet Aunt Agatha and afraid to see her reaction. Norfolk, however, was cheerful and knew all would go well.
“Don’t stress, my love. It’s going to be fine.” He said, smiling.
“Oh, Norfolk. What if she wants nothing to do with us?” Jemima asked, terrified at the prospect.
“I assure you she will be upset at first and then overjoyed for us.”
Jemima really hoped he was right.
***
They knocked on her door and went in.
After the initial greetings and fussing over Norfolk’s health, the three settled into conversation. Norfolk spoke,
“We have news to share with you, Aunt Agatha.” Norfolk told her, as Jemima looked down.
“You’re having a child!” Aunt Agatha squealed, making Jemima blush.
Norfolk turned red and mumbled,
“No. We are getting married.” He told her, looking anywhere but at her.
“Oh, Norrie dear, don’t be silly. You’re already married.”
It was then that Norfolk told her the story. She listened calmly, smiling when he told her that they were truly in love now and were to be married. Jemima was perplexed at how little of a reaction Aunt Agatha gave. After Norfolk concluded his story, both apologized to her profusely and asked for her blessing. Her laugh startled them as she said,
“Children these days, I tell you! It takes a plot line as such and schemes for them to realize how they feel.” She said, “Of course you have my blessing!”
Everything was perfect now. Jemima felt saddened that her dear Aunt Lucy could not be here for her happily ever after.
***
The wedding ceremony was being performed at St. George’s Church in Mayfair. It was a small, private affair as Jemima and Norfolk preferred, surrounded by their close acquaintances. Jemima wore a white muslin dress, with a long, net veil. She had worn the hair pin that Aunt Agatha had given to her.
Jemima felt the knot in her stomach grow as Eleanor and Eliza proceeded to walk in to the church. Jemima would soon follow and get married. She felt conscious about how she looked. When it was time for her to walk, she looked down focusing on not tripping over her dress. In her hands she carried a small flower bouquet of white lilies.
She took a deep breath and looked up. From the aisles, all the guests smiled at her. She saved Norfolk for last and when her gaze found him, her heart fell at peace. Norfolk stood waiting for her, looking handsome in his black tuxedo. His smile stroked her heart, and she walked to him.
They were married in a simple ceremony, Norfolk’s ‘I do’ ringing through the hall, and Jemima’s softly spoken through her tears. They were husband and wife. Each other’s equal half, for better or worse. In sickness and health. For richer, for poorer. To love and to cherish, till death do them apart.
***
That night before their marriage was consummated, Jemima prayed to God.
I thank you God, for Your righteousness and Your bounty. Lord, I was alone except for Your company and guidance. You have brought me a life that I had never envisioned. Happiness that I had lost hope for. Thank You for bestowing it on me. I am stepping into my new life tonight. Please, look after me.
As Jemima finished her prayer, Norfolk entered into their chamber.
“Amen.” Jemima concluded, looking at her beautiful husband.
Epilogue
N orfolk smiled, looking at his beautiful wife playing with their daughter, Lucy. Her pregnant belly made her look even more beautiful. Norfolk thanked his lucky stars for leading him to Smith House six years ago. It had led him to find Jemima, his true love.
Jemima had taken to being a Duchess beautifully and was held in high regard by all. She was humble and soft spoken, not obnoxious as the ton was perceived to be.
Lucy came to her father and pulled on his pants for his attention. At only four, Lucy was a smart child with a good manner.
“Papa, look.” She said in her soft voice, showing him a flower. “Mama gave to me.”
Norfolk smiled, picking up his daughter in his arms.
“Very pretty, like you.”
“Like mama.” She said and struggled out of his lap running to her mother.
Jemima walked towards them slowly, careful not to rush with her belly swollen. She held Lucy’s hand, and both settled down with Norfolk for tea.
“How are you feeling, love?” Norfolk asked her, he was always worried about her health.
“I’m fine, dear.” She said consolingly.
Norfolk relaxed, letting his wife and daughter chatter about the day’s events. He paid attention to each detail and laughed when the girls did. But his mind wandered to how lucky he had been. He looked at his daughter, who would go on to become as strong as her mother. He looked towards Jemima, his wife, The Duchess of Norfolk. All was well.
*** The End ***
The Disfigured
Duke &
the Debutante
Regency Romance
Grace Fletcher
Prologue
The Fife hospital for wounded soldiers was above capacity. There weren’t many staff, and medical practitioners were doing their best to care for everyone who needed it. The war, involving many estates in Scotland, had caused devastation for countless families, and the Fife estate had opened its doors to everyone who needed aid.
The Duke of Fife, Arthur Pemberton, was amongst those wounded in battle. He had been recovering well though staying amongst those wounded worse and with no hope in their future was battering his endurance to remain within the hospital itself and not retire to his rooms. The only reason he remained was that he had still not been given a clean bill of health and he didn’t want to go against what precious medical advice there was.
His face was almost fully healed due to the linseed oil and lime water that were used to treat the burns, and though the pain had been intense in the beginning, it was becoming more bearable. It wouldn’t be long before Fife could have his bandages taken off and he would see what had become of him. He did not regret saving a man’s life, would do the same again in a heartbeat, but that did not make bearing the scars on his face any less daunting. For surely there would be some; his doctor had been certain of this fact though he had informed Fife with reluctance and great sorrow.
Fife could understand his reticence. Nobody wanted to tell a duke, especially not within his own estate, that he would likely be scarred for the rest of his life.
Fife could say without a doubt that he did not want to see his own reflection, he was a proud man, but he was also strong. The injury had happened, and Fife would deal with it the way he had most things.
When the doctor finall
y deemed him ready to have his bandages removed, he was given the privacy of a separate room. It was easier; he could not hear the cries of injured men, nor could they see what his face would now be, the way he presented himself to the world. The nurse was careful in removing his bandages; the doctor making sure everything was proceeding correctly, and Fife curled the sheets within his hands, as much to combat the itching of the skin as to keep himself grounded within the moment.
He had faced more monumental things: death. This would be infinitely easier.
Though, when the nurse held up the mirror so that he could see his reflection, Fife could not believe he had ever been so strong.
Born with striking blue eyes, one was now clouded. And though he could see, there was a blurred quality to his vision that had not been there before. Crisscrossing over his cheek and both under and above his eye were burn scars marring what used to be a handsome face. Immediately, he pushed the mirror away, burying his face in his hands. It was painful, but he did not much care.
How could he ever face the public again?
Chapter 1
Guildwell Hall
The ball at Guildwell Hall was to be the highlight of Miss Marianne Drake’s week. She had been awaiting the opportunity to present, once again, in front of the best of society. She was the most popular debutante of the season, and though she took some pride in being the woman every man sought to dance with, she could not deny that it was exhausting. There was barely time to sit between dances before another suitor was asking her to join him on the dance floor.
There was a part of her that would always shy away from the attention. It was overwhelming to be offered so many hands in marriage, twelve by her last count, but she had refused them all. Though her parents were adamant that she accept a proposal soon, giving the family financial security for the foreseeable future, Marianne refused. While most young women her age were content with marriage for money’s sake, she could not be one of them.
Regency Romances for the Ages Page 38